Franklin Graham defends Trump over AI image critics say depicted Jesus
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The Rev. Franklin Graham defended President Donald Trump in a statement shared on Truth Social on Thursday following backlash over an image critics say depicts Trump as Jesus Christ.
The statement was released by Graham on Thursday and shared by the president. as a signed letter.
“I do not believe President Trump would knowingly portray himself as Jesus Christ; that would be simply inappropriate,” Graham wrote.
He added that Trump said he believed the image showed “a doctor helping someone” and that the president “immediately removed the post” after concerns were raised.
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President Donald Trump greets the Rev. Franklin Graham during Easter prayers and dinner in the Blue Room of the White House in Washington, D.C. (Pool/AP)
“There were no spiritual references; no halo, no cross, no angel,” Graham wrote. “It was a flag, soldiers, a nurse, fighter jets, eagles… I think that’s a lot to do for nothing.”
Graham also referenced a separate image of Trump Posted on Truth Social This appeared to show Jesus standing next to him with one hand on his shoulder, suggesting that it represented guidance rather than a self-description, and said critics were trying to “make it into something it is not”.
“And in the drawing that someone else reposted on Truth Social today, I have to say, I like that it’s a photo of Jesus whispering in her ear or at least with his hand on her shoulder guiding her,” Graham said. “We all need this; we all need to listen to Jesus.”
A representative for Graham told Fox News Digital that the priest had no further comment and would appear on Fox News’ “Hannity” Thursday night.
The controversy began Sunday night when Trump posted an AI-generated photo on Truth Social that appeared to show him healing a man surrounded by patriotic images, prompting criticism from both political opponents and some of his supporters.
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President Donald Trump stands in front of the Oval Office at the White House in Washington, DC (Brendan Smialowski/AFP via Getty Images)
Trump addressed the backlash the next day.
“I posted this and thought it was me as a doctor. … Only fake news could bring this out,” Trump said. “As a doctor, I need to be the one to heal people.”
The post was later deleted.
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Franklin Graham, president and CEO of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, speaks during the 2024 Republican National Convention at Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee on July 18, 2024. (Brendan Smialowski/AFP via Getty Images)
The episode comes as Trump has engaged in a public spat with Pope Leo XIV, whom he has criticized as “weak on crime” and “terrible on foreign policy,” with the pope saying he is “not afraid” of the Trump administration.
Despite this defense, criticism came from Trump’s base at the beginning of the week.
OutKick writer Riley Gaines questioned the post, while RedState writer Bonchie called the image “blasphemous” and called on Trump to apologize. Influencer Brilyn Hollyhand added that “faith is not a prop.”
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President Donald Trump posted the Rev. Franklin Graham’s letter on Truth Social on Thursday. (Yuri Gripas/Abaca/Bloomberg)
Criticism also came from the media and political opponents; these included Cenk Uygur, who called it “blasphemy,” and NBC’s Richard Engel, who questioned whether Trump was joking.
Others defended this post, saying it was symbolic and misinterpreted.
Graham also praised Trump’s record on religious freedom and expressed hope that the president could meet with Pope Leo in the future.
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“I hope that the President and Pope Leo can meet and that the Pope will have the opportunity to thank President Trump for his efforts to protect religious freedom,” Graham said.
The White House did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital’s request for comment.
Fox News Digital’s Brian Flood and Eric Mack contributed to this report.
